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November 28-December 4, 2022 / Kislev 5783

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ISRAEL TRIP
It was such an amazing experience from Masada to the Mossad to Machaneh Yehuda; from a cooking class to the Kotel! Others wanted to go and now is your chance! Rabbi is ready to lead another group, this time smaller/possibly semi-private in the late spring. Let us know if you would like to travel!
"It was an amazing trip! Rabbi is an incredible Jewish scholar and a lot of fun!" -- Jill Bootzin
Photos courtesy of Jill Bootzin.

THIS WEEK

ADULT EDUCATION

Welcome to Judaism

Monday, November 28

5:00-6:15 p.m.


TONIGHT


This introductory course, taught by Rabbi Sharfman, provides a foundation in the basic tenets of Judaism. Among areas covered are History, Holidays and Observances, Life Cycle, Theology, Prayer, Israel, and Communal Life. Open to non-Jews alone, non-Jews with their Jewish partners, and Jewish adults interested in further exploring Judaism. Free of charge for members of CK; please register directly through us. Non-members can register through BJE, https://www.bjephoenix.org/course-events/2022/08/29/welcome-to-judaism-virtual.


Future class dates are these Monday evenings from 5:00-6:15 p.m.:

December 5

December 12

December 19


GIVING TUESDAY


With GivingTuesday approaching, we truly appreciate the generosity and support of our members and friends. Don’t forget to mark your calendars for November 29th, tomorrow, and to spread the word about GivingTuesday!


Giving Tuesday was created in 2012 to counteract the spending of Black Friday and Cyber Monday with philanthropic giving to charities in need of support. It started in the U.S. and has quickly made its way across more than 70 countries. Please consider making a donation to Congregation Kehillah by clicking here, https://congregationkehillah.org/product/donation/

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KABBALAT SHABBAT

Friday, December 2

6:30 p.m.


Please join us for in-person and multi-access Kabbalat Shabbat.


Rabbi Sharfman and Cantorial soloists Erica Erman and Scott Leader will be together on the bimaand December birthdays and anniversaries will be celebrated.


We encourage you – and welcome you – to attend services in person. Zoom will be available to those out of town or who can’t attend in person.


Masks are no longer required. The first few rows of the sanctuary will be reserved for mask wearers who prefer to sit next to other mask wearers. Otherwise, mask wearers may sit anywhere in the sanctuary.


We look forward to welcoming Shabbat with you!


YEP! YOUTH EDUCATION PROGRAM

Sunday, December 4

9:30 a.m.



After this week's session, we will meet on December 11.

UPCOMING

BOOK GROUP

Friday, December 9

1:00 p.m.

Private home; location provided with your RSVP


We'll discuss Less, by Andrew Sean Greer. You don't have to be a regular to enjoy Book Group; you can join in for any book you like, any time. Book Group is open to all Kehillah adults. To get on the Book Group email list or to RSVP, please email Rick.


TORAH TALK

Shabbat/Saturday morning, December 10

11:15 a.m. (Please note the time change)


Join us to explore the Torah portion Vayishlach.


Come join our discussion on Zoom. The Zoom link will be emailed during the week. Please RSVP to Renee.

KABBALAT SHABBAT with a Pre Chanukah-Oneg

Friday, December 16

Pre-Oneg at 5:45 p.m., with service to follow

Your RSVP by December 12 is appreciated



Please join us for our Pre Chanukah Oneg and Shabbat Service. We would love to see you in your favorite Chanukah clothing (shirts, skirts, ties, etc.)

Pre-Oneg is sponsored by Megan & Howie Schatzberg in honor of their daughter, Jacqueline's Bat Mitzvah


Rabbi Sharfman and Cantorial soloists Erica Erman and Scott Leader will be together on the bima.


We encourage you – and welcome you – to attend services in person. Zoom will be available to those out of town or who can’t attend in person.


Masks are no longer required. The first few rows of the sanctuary will be reserved for mask wearers who prefer to sit next to other mask wearers. Otherwise, mask wearers may sit anywhere in the sanctuary.


We look forward to welcoming Shabbat with you!

Chanukah is less than a month way! Here are three ways you can celebrate with your Kehillah:

Saturday, December 10th – Sippy Cup Shabbat for our littlest of friends at 10:00 a.m. Bring your baby, grandchildren, nieces and nephews for a program geared towards infants – three years old.
Friday, December 16th – Join us at 5:45 p.m. for our Chanukah themed Pre-Oneg followed by Kabbalat Shabbat at 6:30 p.m.
Saturday, December 24th – Join Rabbi at 5:30 p.m. for Havdalah and the lighting of the Chanukiah in Carefree (Sanderson Lincoln Pavilion, 101 Easy St, Carefree, AZ 85377). We encourage our Kehillah members to show up and support our Rabbi and synagogue. Jade Palace will be providing Chinese food afterwards.

SOCIAL ACTION

JFCS's Adopt-A-Family holiday program provides families and teens in Maricopa County with holiday gifts for both Chanukah and Christmas.


“For more than two decades, our generous donors have opened their hearts to help make the holiday season bright for those in need,” says JFCS Program Manager Kathy Rood. “Last year our holiday program managed to reach more than 80 families in our community." 


Congregation Kehillah has supported JFCS with very generous donations in the past. It would be wonderful if we could once again bring a Happy Holiday to a very deserving family in our community.


Our assigned family is a single mother of 5 children who is in need of gift cards for grocery stores, gas, Amazon, Target, WalMart, restaurants, etc. so she can provide gifts to her children this holiday season. For more specific information please contact Paulette Fraenkel at 602-363-3009, as we do have a complete list of requests.

Whispering Winds Academy will be identifying children's families in need during the Holiday season. We have the opportunity to once again participate in this very important effort.


For more information contact Social Action Chair Paulette Fraenkel, [email protected].

BIRTHDAYS & ANNIVERSARIES

Happy Birthday!

Yom Huledet Sameach!


December 1 - Dory Mawyer

December 2 - Francine Ebersman

December 3 - Ella Fleet

December 5 - Deborah Lily Erman

December 8 - Ilene Malka

December 13 - George Rosenberg

December 14 - Mort Berkowitz

December 14 - Sandra Krisch

December 21 - Karen Thursby

December 21 - Andrew Cohen

December 22 - Henry Fleet

December 22 - David Fabricant

December 24 - Joanna LeBlang

December 27 - Bob Merwitzer

December 27 - Emelia Merritt

December 29 - Payton Fleet

December 29 - Pamela Shaffner


Happy Anniversary!

Mazel Tov!


December 29 - Jonathan & Rebecca Seeliger

December 30 - Jared & Erica Erman


OUR KEHILLAH FAMILY

Dear Friends,

It has come to our attention that once again scam emails are being sent out to various synagogues, from someone claiming to be a member of their board of directors, requesting gift cards.

Please know that Congregation Kehillah’s board members, staff, and committee members will not email any requests for gift card purchases or wiring money.

If you have a question as to the validity of an email, please forward it to us at [email protected] so that we can confirm. 

 

L’Shalom,

 

Renee B Joffe


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Refaeinu . . .

Carol Elliott

Debbie Koren,

niece of Marsha Joffe

Rick & Sharon Cohen

Dvora Krischer

Ellen Lerman

Reisa Miller

Eydee Schultz

Zackary Dawson

Jon Berlin

Shari Marcus,

niece of Reisa Miller


Ethan Miller,

son of Reisa Miller

Yaffa Pollack,

cousin of Marsha Joffe

Chana bas Rasche

Marsha Joffe

Judith Clancy

Joe Ettinger

Stanley Rosen,

father of Robin Rudin

Cathy Michels

Davie Glaser

THANK YOU FOR YOUR FINANCIAL SUPPORT

Rabbi Sharfman's Discretionary Fund

Randi & Alan Jablin - in appreciation of their recommitment ceremony and the beautiful Israel trip experience


Francine Ebersman - in honor of David and Daisy Goldfarb and wishing a Mazel Tov on Max's birth


Caring Fund

Jane Neely - in honor of Daisy and Dave Goldfarb and the birth of Max


Education Fund

Ellen & Elliott Lerman - in memory of Phyllis and Stan Friedman

Margie & Howard Tabaknek - Mazel Tov on the birth of Max Goldfarb, son of Daisy and Dave Goldfarb.

Tzedakah: We all have choices as to who or what we wish to support; why choose your synagogue? Because we are YOUR synagogue. You chose to be a part of this inspirational community that offers a wonderful teacher and spiritual leader in Rabbi Sharfman; superb opportunities for young families to educate their children; programming for all ages; and much, much more,  offering impact and value, depth and meaning to your life.


Unlike most synagogues, Congregation Kehillah does not do a High Holy Days Appeal. Dues alone do not cover a synagogue’s operational expenses; we rely on donations of all sizes throughout the year. Did you know . . . that it is customary to donate at the time of Yizkor or when Kaddish is recited in memory of a loved one? It is also customary to make a donation when given an Aliyah (honor) during a service. Jewish Philanthropy: The Concept of Tzedakah is a much-admired practice throughout the world. "In Jewish tradition, tzedakah requires the donor share his or her compassion and empathy along with the money. Judaism teaches the belief that donors benefit from tzedakah as much [as] or more than the recipients." You can find out more about the roots and practices of Jewish philanthropy at Learning to Give. We hope you choose to continue to support your Kehillah by making donations to our various funds, which are listed below and on our website.

CONGREGATION KEHILLAH FUNDS

Your donations are greatly appreciated. 

Caring Fund

Education Fund

General Fund

Gottlieb Music Fund

Oneg & Hospitality Fund

Rabbi's Discretionary Fund

Social Action Fund

Torah Fund


Also available:

Book Plates

Memorial Board

OTHER WAYS TO SUPPORT KEHILLAH:

JNF TREES IN ISRAEL

Plant a tree in Israel for any occasion. Contact Renee to place your order. The cost is $18 per tree and a portion of all sales benefit Kehillah.


NETWORK FOR GOOD - FACEBOOK

You can set up a fundraiser through Facebook and the money will be donated to Kehillah.


THE JEWISH COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OF GREATER PHOENIX

Will receive gifts of stock on behalf of Congregation Kehillah.


CONGREGATION KEHILLAH CAN ACCEPT A GIFT THROUGH YOUR IRA-QUALIFIED CHARITABLE DISTRIBUTION.


PURCHASING YOUR FINAL RESTING PLACE AT MT. SINAI CEMETERY BENEFITS CONGREGATION KEHILLAH.


AMAZON SMILE

If you make purchases through Amazon, please use smile.amazon.com, and select Congregation Kehillah as your charity. It's simple, costs you nothing, and Amazon will donate a portion of your purchase price to Kehillah.

Congregation Kehillah has been issued a $70.73 donation from the AmazonSmile Foundation as a result of AmazonSmile program activity between April 1 and June 30, 2022.

OF INTEREST ELSEWHERE


If you are interested in becoming more involved with AJLA and helping to put together great programs, please email [email protected].


December, date forthcoming: Meet the Bench, co-hosted with SABA. 


January 19, 4:00-5:30pm: Sheila Polk will discuss the Holocaust program for prosecutors via Zoom.


There's still time for 9th- to 12th-graders to register for Hebrew High.


Hebrew High brings all Jewish teens together from across the valley for exciting programs, interesting classes, and special events. See your friends, make new ones, and have meaningful Jewish experiences. Electives range from arts and culture to modern issues and beyond. Tuesday nights, 7:00-9:00 p.m. at the JCC in Scottsdale. Scholarships available.  www.hhphx.org 

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The Phoenix Holocaust Association  



The November newsletter is out. Click here for news of upcoming programs and lots more.

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JFCS Center for Senior Enrichment

 

Click here to find the November calendar of events.

Look for upcoming dates for our programs below

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SERVICES  

Kabbalat Shabbat

Shabbat morning

B'nai Mitzvah


Friday, December 2 - 6:30 p.m.

Friday, December 16 - pre-Oneg 5:45 p.m. with service to follow

Saturday, December 17 - 10:00 a.m. Bat Mitzvah of Jacqueline Schatzberg

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TORAH TALK


Torah Talks are led by Rabbi Sharfman (except where noted) and are held monthly on Saturday mornings via Zoom. For more information, contact Ellen Lerman.

    

December 10

January 21

February 11

March 11

April & May - tbd

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YEP!

Youth Education Program 


YEP! sessions are held on Sunday mornings during the school year. Read about YEP! here. Questions? Please contact Renee


Here is the link to the YEP! registration form.


Fall Semester dates:

December 4 & 11


Second Semester Dates:

January 8 & 22

February 5 & 26

March 5 & 19

April 2, 16 & 30

May 7

IN EVERY ISSUE

QUICK-LOOK CALENDAR



Friday, December 2

Kabbalat Shabbat


Sunday, December 4

YEP!


Monday, December 5

Rabbi's class


Friday, December 9

Book Group


Saturday, December 10

Sippy Cup Shabbat

Torah Talk


Sunday, December 11

YEP!


Monday, December 12

Rabbi's class


Friday, December 16

Kabbalat Shabbat with pre-Oneg


Saturday, December 17

Bat Mitzvah of Jacqueline Schatzberg


Monday, December 19

Rabbi's class

Information for Seniors


The Senior Concierge Project (through Jewish Family and Children's Service) can provide information and help with socialization, education, transportation, home care, living facilities, legal assistance and more for those over age 60. Contact Kathy Rood at 602-762-7319.


Need a Hand?


Need a ride to services or to an event? Have an odd job that might need an extra hand or two? Give Men of Kehillah a shout! MOK members are ready to help out. This mitzvah is offered to all dues-paying members of Congregation Kehillah.

Email Rich Fox at [email protected].  



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Don't miss any of our emails...


Please make sure that periodically you check your Spam and Junk folders for emails from [email protected]. Some of the emails we send out have several links for you to click on for resources. Depending on your individual computer settings you may have not received these emails in your inbox.








Remember "Mom" and the other women!  

 

Reminder: There are hungry neighbors and families experiencing food insecurity throughout the Valley, throughout the year -- even if we can't always see it. And there are women who can't afford basic feminine products. Our food collection bin for Mom's Pantry is always in our lobby, and our Kehillah Cares bag for women4women tempe is in our ladies' room. 

 


Please bring food and toiletry donations whenever you attend an event or services.


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We love hearing from you!


If we don't respond to

your email within 24 hours, it means we did

not receive your

message. Please call

us at 602-369-7667.

  

We take a technology break for Shabbat and Yom Tov. If you have an emergency during these times, please leave a message on the Congregation Kehillah phone, 602-369-7667, and we will get back to you as soon as possible. Otherwise, we ask that you please call or email us after the Sabbath or holiday ends.

Congregation Kehillah Leadership 


Rabbi Bonnie Sharfman

Jane Neely, 

 President

Scott Leader, Erica Erman

 Cantorial Soloists

Renee Joffe,               

 Administrator


Board of Directors

Gil Blumenthal, 

 Immediate Past President

Rick Cohen,

 Member at Large

Rich Fox, 

 Vice President for Program

and Communications

 MOK President

Dave Goldfarb, 

 Vice President for Building

& Facility

Mark Solow

 Finances

Leslie Goldman, 

 Member at Large

Steve Kanefsky,

  Member at Large

Arlene Maletta, 

 Member at Large

Ilene Malka, 

 Education Chair

Paul Stein, 

  Member at Large


Additional Support

Beth Hirshenson, Margi Tabaknek, Belle Merwitzer

 Caring Committee

Amy Bessen,

 Webmaster

Paulette Fraenkel, 

 Social Action

Leona Garza, 

  Movie Time

Dr. Stephanie Kirklin, 

 YEP! Director of

 Curriculum & Online 

 Learning Center

Ellen Lerman, 

 Torah Talk and Special   

 Projects

Vicki Mardell, 

  Membership 

Reisa Miller,

  Newsletters 

Scott Rudin

  Finances

Congregation Kehillah

602-369 7667

[email protected] - congregationkehillah.org

5858 E. Dynamite Blvd., Cave Creek, AZ 85331

Mailing Address: 21001 N. Tatum Blvd., Ste. 1630 #439, Phoenix, AZ 85050


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